In pictures: African migrants in Algeria

A growing number of sub-Saharan Africans are using Algeria as a stopping point on their way to Europe.

For the past three years, the number of immigrants travelling from sub-Saharan Africa to Algeria has risen dramatically. Some are fleeing war and ethnic conflict in their home countries; others seek better economic conditions.

Most are in Algeria as a stopping point on their way to Europe.

On International Migrants Day, learn about these migrants' stories, hopes and fears as they make their way towards Europe.

Martial, 38 years old, had a long journey with his wife across the desert from Ivory Coast to Algiers.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

He says he would rather stay in Algeria than in his home country because Europe is closer.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Yasmine, who is only one year old, was born in Algeria.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Martial\(***)s main income during what he considers his "temporary stay in Algiers" comes from teaching art courses to young Algerians.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Martial has heard that Europe is relatively easy for refugees to integrate, and has better living conditions.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Jakie says he is pessimistic about his stay in Algeria, but is satisfied that he managed to complete half of his journey to Europe.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Jakie\(***)s ultimate goal is to reach Europe.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Jakie admits he would have preferred to stay in his homeland if there were no conflict there.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Jakie found shelter at a construction site that he considers a temporary home.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

A young asylum seeker stands in front of his temporary home.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Even the youngest dream of a better life in Europe.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Six-year-old Deborah and her mother in their temporary home.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

According to these refugees, their countries are more dangerous than their journey across the desert or their next journey across the sea.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Martial, 38 years old, had a long journey with his wife across the desert from Ivory Coast to Algiers.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

He says he would rather stay in Algeria than in his home country because Europe is closer.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Yasmine, who is only one year old, was born in Algeria.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Martial\(***)s main income during what he considers his "temporary stay in Algiers" comes from teaching art courses to young Algerians.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Martial has heard that Europe is relatively easy for refugees to integrate, and has better living conditions.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Jakie says he is pessimistic about his stay in Algeria, but is satisfied that he managed to complete half of his journey to Europe.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Jakie\(***)s ultimate goal is to reach Europe.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Jakie admits he would have preferred to stay in his homeland if there were no conflict there.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Jakie found shelter at a construction site that he considers a temporary home.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

A young asylum seeker stands in front of his temporary home.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Even the youngest dream of a better life in Europe.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

Six-year-old Deborah and her mother in their temporary home.

Mohamed Kaouche/Al Jazeera

According to these refugees, their countries are more dangerous than their journey across the desert or their next journey across the sea.